One interested observer had called Colorado an "average" team. That team now sports a 3-0 record and the No. 5 ranking in The United Press International college football poll and the No. 6 ranking in the Associated Press.
In an impressive display before a nationwide television audience, Colorado mauled then-No. 10 Illinois 38-7 last Saturday, moving the Buffaloes up two spots in the poll and dropping the Illini to No. 20 in AP and out of the top 20 for UPI."I think for an average team, we did pretty good - even by his standards," Colorado outside linebacker Alfred Williams said, alluding to statements by Illinois quarterback Jeff George on a Chicago radio show before the game.
As expected, Notre Dame, a 24-19 winner over then-No. 2 Michigan, solidified its hold on the No. 1 ranking with its 14th consecutive victory.